Connected consumers - belonging to multiple generations - are rapidly becoming prime prospects for independent agencies. Sales and marketing techniques once thought to be the crux of growing an independent agency, have become stale.

Read the full story to learn from an expert why and how your agency can start to "connect" -

On April 17 and 18, 13 IIAN members and staff joined over 1,000 agents from across the country at the Big "I" National Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. IIAN's representatives held a series of meetings with the state's Congressional delegation to lobby on behalf of Nebraska agents -- meeting personally with Senators Deb Fischer and Mike Johanns, Representatives Adrian Smith and Lee Terry, and Rep.Jeff Fortenberry's staff.

The major points of our discussion were: Multi-state agent licensing, the Terrorism act (TRIA), adequate funding of the Federal Crop Insurance program and removing agent commission caps, and the Flood Insurance program. See conference issues and happenings here.

IIAN is excited to announce a new partnership with the 4-H Foundation, to provide Nebraska Trusted Choice® agencies the opportunity to promote their agencies locally and be identified with a great cause. The new4-H "Life Choices" program helps young people all over Nebraska learn how to prepare themselves for a successful career and interview for the jobs they want - while exposing them, their parents, and educators to insurance career opportunities in Nebraska and the added value of Trusted Choice® independent insurance agencies. Kids who participate in "Life Choices" in their communities compete in four District interview contests, to qualify for the state-level contest at the Nebraska State Fair in late August. More about Life Choices-Trusted Choice® patnership.

Winners at the 4-H Trusted Choice(R) "Life Choices" West Central District interview contest in North Platte on April 27. The Panhandle District contest was also held on April 27, with IIAN members Katie Kochenower and Crystal Lessert acting as judges - and 200 kids, parents, and teachers attended both contests. The Southeast and Northeast District contests will be held May 23 in Lincoln and Norfolk.

IIAN members interested in becoming involved with local 4-H "Life Choices" projects, or the District contests coming up on May 23 can contact Shane Potter with 4-H - 402-472-9026, spotter3@unl.edu.

National Flood Program Subsidies Phase Out

The recently passed Biggert-Waters Act-the law that extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years- will also increase rates for some policy holders in hopes of making the program more actuarially sound. FEMA estimates that 20% of the homes in the NFIP will be affected by the phase-out of subsidized rates over four years mandated by the new law. IIABA has a web page dedicated to keeping you updated on Biggert-Waters changes as they happen -

Iowa and Nebraska's new nonprofit Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) has received a Certificate of Authority to provide health insurance by the Iowa Insurance Division. CoOportunity Health became one of the first nonprofit CO-OPs to be approved by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) in February 2012. To date, 24 CO-OPs have been approved in 24 states, and were funded by Obama Care. Click here for details.

The company will begin marketing activities on October 1, 2013, to coincide with the availability of the new Health Insurance Marketplace (online Exchange) in Iowa and Nebraska. In addition to enrolling in CoOportunity Health plans on the Marketplace, the company's products will be available to purchase outside the Marketplace through a selective network of brokers and agents, as well as on its own website.

New Salesperson WC Class Could Save You Money

Thanks to IIAN member and NASC* director Steve Mason for letting us know that in 2012, NCCI added code 8723 in Nebraska. It is for insurance companies and includes outside salespersons - and also applies to insurance agencies. Most agencies have 8810 clerical exposures and 8742 outside salespersons exposures. The 2013 Loss Cost factor for 8810 is 0.20. The 2013 Loss Cost factor for 8742 is 0.40. The 2013 Loss Cost factor for the new 8723 code is 0.20. This means any agency that still has outside salespersons separately identified and charged for under the 8742 class code are paying twice as much as is necessary for that portion of their payroll, and should seek assistance from its WC insurer.*NASC is IIAN's for-profit subsidiary, offering insurance programs and markets exclusively for IIAN members. Find out more - click here.

Got A Coverage Problem? Let MATC Help!

Since 1934, the Mid-America Technical Conference has been serving the American agency system as a forum for discussion on topics such as property-casualty coverage, rules, forms, and other technical aspects within the insurance industry. The annual November conference hosts a group of agents chosen from their home states to sit down with ISO, ACORD, NCCI, and company representatives to discuss coverage issues, problems and solutions - which are submitted by agents. These discussions often lead to positive change! Dan Loring, CPCU, ARM, CIC, from Omaha, has been representing IIAN members for many years. Download this form to submit your coverage problems to Dan by June 30 - dan@loringco.com, 402-399-8721.

Insurance Rates Up

According to a MarketScout survey, U.S. commercial rates in March:

Jumped 5% overall;

Accounts $25,000 - $250,000 in premium were up 6%;

Rates for commercial-property, workers' compensation, commercial auto, umbrella/excess and business-owners policies were up 5% for the month;

Manufacturing continues its recent trend of leading all industry classes. Rates here were up 7% followed by increases of 5% for contracting, service, and habitational.

Personal-lines insurance rates in March are:

Up 4%;

Homes valued at more than $1 million saw rates go up 5%;

Auto insurance up just 2%.

Gun Liability Insurance Demand Grows

Interest in personal liability insurance for firearms owners has expanded with the media focus on gun-centric events and the public discussion of liability issues. While coverage is available through gun owner associations and through specialty insurers, the liability component of homeowners and renters insurance policies offers some protection for gun owners.

Most standard homeowners and renters policies would offer liability coverage for property damage or injuries that occur from accidental discharges of firearms. To read this Insurance Journal article, click here.